KINGFIELD – The Friends and Family Ties Relay for Life team, based in Kingfield, has raised more than $50,000 in less than 10 years, setting the team well ahead in raising money for cancer research. The local team was awarded an Outstanding Income Development Award recently from the American Cancer Society.
“I think it’s a job well done for all of us,” says team member Jane Deely. “We work very hard and are definitely dedicated.”
The team began in 1997 with a handful of members and has grown steadily to include more than a dozen people today. Team members try to hold a fundraiser every month. Money raised goes to the Cancer Society for research and treatment; much of the money remains in Maine.
The year-long dedication of teams statewide culminates in the annual Relay for Life Walk, which will be June 2 and 3 at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington. Events include a cancer survivors’ walk and luminary lighting ceremony for those who have been lost. The public is always invited to attend.
“Cancer affects so many people in some way,” Janet Poulin said. “We all have friends or loved ones who have been touched by cancer, and I think that’s why we work so hard to help find a cure.”
The local team has numerous upcoming fundraising events, the next being a coffee and bake sale at the annual Kingfield town meeting March 4. On April 9, they will hold a Chinese auction, featuring many new and slightly used items, gift certificates and a 50-50 raffle at Webster Hall. The auction floor opens at 12:30 p.m. for inspection and ticket purchasing, and the drawings begin at 2 p.m.
The team’s fourth annual Car Hop and Classic Car Show is scheduled for May 19 at The Kingfield Woodsman restaurant. This popular event is one of the group’s major fundraisers and has grown in participation each year. True to its roots, people never have to leave their vehicles, since volunteers take their burger orders and deliver them to the vehicles. Last year, more than 20 classic and antique cars pulled into the parking lot for all to enjoy.
The team will also hold numerous events during the summer, especially during the annual Kingfield Festival Days in July.
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